SONIC 260 PROWLER

Hotboat Magazine/ March 1998

To fully appreciate the joys and challenges of offshore performance sport-boating, it is not enough to merely have horsepower at your disposal. Proper immersion in the sport dictates that you must have a bottom beneath you that is capable of fully utilizing that power and a hull rigged with a thorough understanding of how the elements at sea can brutalize the souls of those ill-equipped to withstand its constant flux.

The mast recreational migration to more challenging waters and the increased popularity of our sport are related factors that have sent growing numbers of hot-boating enthusiasts outside the comfortable confines of their local harbors and marinas. The quest for open water has sparked the creation of a community of performance boat-building entities, many of which are known primarily by those who inhabit the sport.

One of those is Sonic USA, builder of a full line of performance vee-bottoms that are inhabiting Florida's performance water in greater numbers than ever. Our introduction soiree with Sonic's line was undertaken at the helm of their new step-bottom 260 Prowler, a sharply cut, single-engine vee configuration that is expected to keep this company's molds good and warm.

THE PACKAGE

Sonic will outfit the newly released 260 in anything from a 300-horse MPI to a 500-hp Mercury Hi-Performance blower motor; our test struck an effective balance between cubic dollars and rated power with MerCruiser's "torquish" 502 MPI/Bravo One train delivering 415 horsepower through the 24-inch Mercury propeller, Silent Choice exhaust ($1,100) with stainless tips was one of only two options (along with an $875 UHF radio) on our sample Sonic, which is nicely equipped in its stock, base-boat form. The 1.5:1 gearing was mated with a four-blade, 24-inch Mercury propeller. Kiekhaefer tabs with mechanical indicators are standard, as is a Halon system and 102-gallon fuel capacity.

Our team noted the exceptional finish work beneath the dual-ram, electrically assisted hatch, where the 502 was bolted down to large aluminum pads unique to Sonic. Wiring and hose were neatly and completely fastened with stainless clamps and wire ties and the depths of the brightly-lit engine-well showed the same sanitary sheen as the more exposed parts of the boat.

Limited production evidently enables Sonic to invest an apparently disproportionate number of man-hours into their production efforts, a benefit that pays hug dividends in the Prowler's overall finish and detail work. Installation of the exterior trim molding and stainless-steel hardware, abundant interior stainless grab railing and a heavy-duty, color-matched (white) acrylic windshield made believers of our inspection team: This boat is built for the long-term haul.

The Sonic's clean lines were accentuated with three Imron access colors (standard), which dressed for its 25 feet of centerline length and expansive, 102-inch beam with requisite style. An oversized deck hatch is absorbed into its curves, which project a classic elegance with its sparse external hardware, four fixed cleats (two at the bow, two at the transom) and modular air pieces. The 260's sundeck features three inches of dense padding and was dressed with distinctive, color-matched graphics.

Commendably, Sonic's designers kept one eye trained on safety and comfort in the Prowler's creation. They lined its topside with a seven-inch-wide nonskid walking path, which spans bow to transom. Stainless railing is tucked into the gunnel for the length of the cockpit--from the transom to the windshield area. Exposed fiberglass flooring is textured for maximum grip, with most of the interior dressed with carpeting. Its installation drew top marks.

All passengers sit deep in the boat, creating plenty of free-board, yet retaining excellent visibility from all angles. Deep, rich, thickly padded drop-through bolsters manually released to stand-up race mode. They gave maximum support and comfort, and effectively absorbed shock during high-demand maneuvers. The front seats were mounted on a stainless tube framework, which was anchored to the floor with steel backing plates. Like the driver, the front passenger found enchanced balance from a footrest that was angled for optimum support. The rear seat was deep and roomy, and was padded with exceptionally dense foam that at least one of our drivers found slightly too firm. It was divided into three individual slots that included arm supports and neck rests. Just as in the front of the cockpit, small rubberized aluminum step-pads offer a secure first step in and out of the boat. Cup holders were within reach of the all inhabitants.

Sonic has pumped the Prowler's interior displacement for every available square inch of storage space, including floor-filling caverns. A huge, draining ice chest is within easy range of forward passengers.

Kiekhaefer throttle/shifter controls were angled starboard side within convenient grasp and seamlessly guide the 502s into gear and motion. The dash is angled to absorb the driver's quick monitoring glance, and every white-faced Faria dial is within plain sight, framed by white bezels in the theme of the clean cockpit motif. Rocker switches are plainly labeled and sensibly arranged, and fingertips gravitate to the trim and tab controls. The dash also contains the standard depth gauge and compass. Layout on all drew enthusiastic raves from our driving team, who appreciated the forethought that went into every minor detail.

Below, detailed fiberglass tooling made the most of kibitzing room for four, integrating a galley with sink and storage, a private head and shower, stereo system and a pressurized water system. Seating was comfortable and roomy, with plenty of headroom for large passengers. The cabin was nicely dressed, with plush material covering its bench-styled seats, walls and ceiling. The sleeper berth was ideal for more intimate gatherings, and the cabin was attractively lit and well ventilated. In all, it was nicely done.

PERFORMANCE

The union of Sonic's stable-and-sturdy deep-vee and MerCruiser's electronically adaptable, bulletproof 502-inch MPI produced a versatile performer that occupied the 70-mph range with a stable, predictable stride. Point-and-shoot performance and a ride that we found to be communicative and forgiving makes the Sonic worthy of consideration for the power-cruising enthusiast who wants to wrap those aboard in quality, conform and security during the off-shore adventure. Sonic's stout workmanship and sensible rigging shone through at every juncture of our test process.

Our team quickly identified the Prowler as a driver's boat and gave it a universal thumbs-up for its high-speed handling and exhilarating, responsive feel while under throttle. This 5,000-pound rough-water vee's ascent into the 70-mph range with stock EFI 502 power was a satisfying, impressive accomplishment, even if this individual setup did give some willing concessions on the bottom end.

The Sonic's impressive reactive touch beyond the midrange made short-memories of its sluggishness down at the bottom end, where we labored for 15.6 seconds before finding a 40-mph waltzing speed. This on was set up with open water in mind, and given room to run, it was nothing short of a blast to drive. Tapping into maximum depths of its performance reservoir was a matter of point and shoot, and the Prowler carried nicely at 60-plus. Getting there sometimes required some corrective tuning, especially in the midrange--between 40 and 45 miles per hour--when the Sonic's slightly cut, aft-placed step seemed in transition. It developed a persistent, slight searching fee that we've found common to many of today's step designs. The sensation melted away as we seemed to shift gears between 45 and 50. Then, it was off to the races, as the Sonic found its natural habitat. The Sonic cruised obediently through our low-speed handing drills, and impressed our team with its polish as we backed it easily, maneuvered around the docks and idled toward the open-water buoys. Pushing the Prowler through the course cones, we uncovered more of the same crisp handling and impressive feel. Cut the throttle just a bit from wide open, tuck the drive in a click or two, and the Sonic carves through hard, controlled turns. Back off, and it retains it flat, dry posture through the sweepers. Its size seems to diminish as the Sonic is called upon for demanding moves.

We lacked conditions to suitably the Prowler's rough-water prowess, though it passed along a suitable ride through confused, windblown, 18-inch chop. Members of our driving team repeatedly remarked on the Sonic's tight, sound workmanship and lack of extraneous noise or rattles.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The purity of Sonic's workmanship and sheen of its installation are points that help distinguish the Prowler in this highly populated, single-engine size class. It combined legitimate sport-boat handling with an undeniable physical presence--attributes that add up to a solid future. Our test version tracked out at $66,275.

Standard features: Stainless exhaust tips, Halon system, freshwater flush, electric hatch, interior lighting, Kiekhaefer tabs w/indicators, drop-through bolsters, Kiekhaefer controls, compass, built-in dash cooler, molded footrests, interior railing, non-skid floor, molded swim platform, locking cabin door, galley w/sink, indirect lighting, enclosed head w/shower, stereo, pressurized water system, molded deck hatch, three-color paint.

Options on test boat: Silent Choice exhaust ($1,100), UHF radio ($875).